Grant Spotlight - Potassium and Zinc Potential for Corn

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GRANT SPOTLIGHT

Improving K Fertilizer Recommendations for

Corn on the Delmarva Peninsula

University of Delaware

Much of the historic soil test calibration and correlation data used to develop fertilizer recommendations in Maryland and Delaware has been lost. While funding for soil test correlation and calibration research has been a low priority for the last several decades, there is a renewed interest in soil test calibration and correlation research in the U.S. through the Fertilizer Recommendation Support Tool (FRST) project. The FRST project is working toward development of a soil test and crop response to fertilization searchable database and web based tool that enables consistent, transparent, and science-based decision support for nutrient recommendations for major crops across the U.S.

Amy Shober and Jarrod Miller from the University of Delaware will establish K rate trials in corn at two fields in Delaware to provide potassium (K) correlation and calibration data to FRST. Small plots will be established at two locations with responsive soil test K levels (i.e., low, medium) in a randomized complete block design with five replications. Soil samples will be collected by block at two depths (0-15 cm, 0-20 cm) and analyzed for Mehlich 1 and Mehlich 3 K prior to K surface application of 0-0-60 in the spring at five rates. They are also collecting ear leaf tissue samples to monitor for nutrient deficiencies and evaluate changes in Mehlich 3 by collecting post-season soil samples. Corn yields will be evaluated in the fall to determine response to K fertilization rates. Corn residue will be sampled and analyzed for K at harvest and again after decomposition in the field. Once data is collected it will be added to the FRST database.

The Maryland Grain Producers has funded $6,841 towards this project and is excited to see the results of this research.

Micronutrient Zinc to Enhance Yield Potential in Corn

University of Maryland Eastern Shore

Maryland corn crops face multiple abiotic stressors in terms of drought (rain fed), higher soil pH (salinity, groundwater irrigation, saltwater intrusion), and excessive phosphorus (P) content. All of these adverse conditions can cause severe zinc deficiencies in soil and corn plant parts. Zinc is a micronutrient, but plays a significant role in photosynthesis, carbohydrate and nitrogen metabolism, and hormone synthesis. Zinc deficiency causes reduced corn yield and decreases in the number of kernels and kernel weight in the apical region of corn ear. One strategy to increase corn yield potential is through manipulation of kernel weight and number in the apical region of the corn ear.

Corn yield potential can be increased by zinc mediated improvement in pollen viability and increase in kernel number and biomass in the apical section of the corn ear. Through this research, multiple doses (0, 10.2, 20.3, and 30.4 lbs/A) of zinc will be tested to evaluate the increase in pollen viability and kernel number and biomass in the apical region of the corn ear. In addition, grain and stem zinc content will also be measured to find out the critical concentration of zinc in stem required to support the translocation of assimilates toward late developing grains in the apical section of corn ear. This research is expected to help with selection of an appropriate zinc fertilizer rate concentration that can increase the yield potential of corn in Maryland.

The Maryland Grain Producers has funded $23,567 towards this project and is excited to see the results of this research.

Maryland Grain Producers Check-Off Program

The Maryland Grain Producers Utilization Board is funded through the Maryland Grain Check-Off Program; when grain that is produced in Maryland is sold by a farmer, the Utilization Board receives one-half of a percent of its net value. The Check-Off program is voted on by referendum every five years and has always received a greater than 90% affirmation vote. Each year organizations and universities are encouraged to submit grant proposals in November for consideration by MGPUB. The Utilization Board gathers to hear presentations on each proposal and reports from the previously funded projects. Projects must improve the viability and profitability of grain production through research, education, or market development.

For 2022, the Grain Producers will award $978,650 for 37 projects across the state. Congratulations to each recipient.